“Cooking helps me decolonise” Filipino food, migration and diaspora with Budgie Montoya

Ang sarap! Mel and Iz sit down with Ferdinand ‘Budgie’ Montoya, the Filipino-born, Australian-raised chef, writer, and culinary consultant, to explore all things Filipino food and third culture identity.

They talk about what Michelin stars mean for Philippine cuisine, how cooking became a way to decolonise himself, and how migration has shaped the Filipino food story.

Budgie also opens up about experiencing heart failure and stepping back from restaurant life to prioritise his health. From setting boundaries to pivoting his career toward writing, consultancy, and projects like Alpas, he remains deeply rooted in his love for Filipino food. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about cultural appropriation, migration, and being third culture kids in an ever-evolving diaspora!

Budgie Montoya: https://www.instagram.com/budgie_montoya

Eastern Hunnies: https://www.instagram.com/easternhunnies

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Credits:

Edited by Gabby Lauren

Directed by Yijia Fu

Mixing by Ross Ramsay-Golding

Produced by Hunniepot

Music by Muri & Lustbass

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